The Story of Justin and Jack

(((OOC Preamble
This is an ongoing RP thread bringing the story from where it was stopped up to the present. Those who know the story and have had a part are invited to participate. Note: This Jack is in no way related to Jack Maybe.

The Story So Far (Briefly)
Justin and Cleophus were at Cleo's Camp. They were visited by a group of wolves, one of whom turned out to be a woman they met previously at the Silversmith's camp in the Dagger Hills. He name is Leora. She was accompanied by her young son, Jack. Both are able to transform between human and wolf state. Being young, Jack is much less able to control the transformation, which is partly controlled by the moon. Jack and Justin had established a good relationship at the camp and Jack seemed to like Justin.

After discussions of the matters which occurred at the Silversmith's camp, Leora asked that Jack stay with the two men. She feared for his safety because of the Silversmith's animosity toward Jack. The two agreed and Leora departed. Others of the wolf pack then attacked but were driven off and Jack protected.

Cleo and Justin agreed that Justin should have care of Jack. By this time, Jack had returned to wolf state. However he seemed, as much as a wolf pup can, to be happy with the arrangement. Justin began to "raise" Jack. While he is mostly a wolf, Justin always treats him as if he were a boy, providing lots of hugs, which Jack seems to enjoy in either form.

End OOC Preable)))

Justin and Jack (in wolf form) are in Cleo's camp after he has left. Scratching behind Jack's ears, Justin says to him, "Well, we've a lot to do, Jack. I can't leave you here. Jay would be rudely surprised. We'll have to find somewhere else."

He thinks for a while, as Jack plays. He then turns to Jack. "Come over here, Jack. How would you like to live on a farm?" He kneels down and hugs Jack before continuing. "You'd have to be good, though. Remember Willow? ((( OOC Willow is Cleophus' pet chicken who was here with Cleo ))) The farmer's animals are like Willow. They're not food." He looks directly at Jack as he says this, hoping for a sign of a reaction.

He continues, "I wouldn't leave you alone there for long. I'll be there every day. We can play and I'll teach you things you need to know." He smiles at Jack. "Remember in the camp in the Hills? I might even bring you some more candy if you've been good."

Soundtrack:

The thin, young wolfling pads across the still damp ground, circling behind him and taking a place at his right hand side.  His soft brown coat is held close around his chest, slick with recent rain and showing the tell tale signs of hunger as his bones show in the soft moonlight after the storm had passed.  Wild, deep brown eyes look the man over a moment, a long moment of silence, the wolf's breath panting softly.  

With Indigo and his horse companion in the near distance watching the animal nervously, Jack, the wolfling, brings his gaze to the forest ahead.  He does not growl, his tail does not wag, the wolf scans the distance ahead, his nose begins to work, sniffing, sniffing, working back and forth, searching the air.

A low rumble of distant thunder peels across the sky as man and wolf begin their journey.

Chapter 1: The Veil Revealed

Justin follows Jack's gaze. "What is it, Jack?", he asks. Kneeling beside Jack, he puts his arm around the wolfling's shoulders. "Anything we should worry about? Is it your mum and her folk?"

His glance moves back and forth between the distance and Jack as he waits for a response.

The wolf takes a paw and drags it into the ground three times. His eyes focus, a growl rumbles from his chest as he takes off at full speed, disappearing into the woods. A light scar of three animal scratches is left fresh on the ground.

Justin hurries to follow Jack. As he does, he wonders what the three scratches mean.

He looks for signs of Jack's passage as best he can (((OOC Survival Skill 3 ))), continuing to hurry after the young wolf. He avoids calling after Jack, waiting until he can catch up and find out more.